Formby Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 saw Formby's crime rate remain significantly lower than the UK average, with 3.4 crimes per 1,000 residents — 50% below the national figure. The most striking anomaly in the data was the sharp increase in public order offences, which rose from five to thirteen, a 160% jump. This spike defied seasonal expectations for January, a typically quieter month following the Christmas rush. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 43.4% of all crimes, a figure that aligns with Formby's status as a coastal town with a mix of residential and recreational areas. The town's relatively low crime rate may be attributed to its compact built-up area and limited commercial density compared to larger urban centres. Seasonal factors also played a role: reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours typically curtail outdoor crimes, consistent with the 78% drop in shoplifting compared to December. However, the unexpected rise in public order incidents suggests a shift in local dynamics, possibly linked to changes in community activities or enforcement patterns. Violent crime rates remained 40% below the UK average, a trend that has persisted in recent months despite the overall increase in public order offences. This contrast highlights the combination of different crime categories, with property crimes (12 total) remaining a minor component of the overall rate. The low levels of vehicle crime and burglary, 73% and 64% below the UK average respectively, further underscore the area's unique profile compared to more densely populated regions.

Public order offences saw the most dramatic shift in January 2026, increasing by 160% compared to December. This surge, from five to thirteen incidents, was the most significant single-category change and far exceeded the typical post-holiday lull. The rise in public order crimes occurred despite the month's usual seasonal trends, which historically see fewer outdoor crimes due to shorter daylight hours. Concurrently, shoplifting fell by 75% (from eight to two), and criminal damage and arson dropped by 80% (from five to one), suggesting a realignment in criminal activity patterns. Violent crime, the largest category, remained 40% below the UK average at 1.5 per 1,000 residents, a figure that has been consistently lower than national trends for several years. This contrast is notable given Formby's coastal location, which might typically see higher levels of alcohol-related violence in summer months. The doubling of burglary and bicycle theft cases — both rising from zero to one — indicates a rare spike in property crimes, though these remain well below the UK average. For residents, the 78% reduction in shoplifting is a concrete indicator of improved retail security or altered shopping habits. The data also shows that drug-related crimes, at 0.2 per 1,000, were 29% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area's limited nightlife and lower population density compared to urban centres.

Formby's crime rate in January 2026 rose 9.9% compared to December's 3.1 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a slight upward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day — a figure that, while seemingly modest, highlights the concentration of incidents in specific categories. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 291 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains exceptionally low compared to national averages. This statistic, when considered alongside the area's population of 22,144, underscores the relative safety of Formby compared to larger urban areas. The previous month's rate of 3.1 per 1,000 was already below the UK average, yet January's increase to 3.4 per 1,000 still kept the area 50% below the national figure. This suggests that while local conditions may be driving small-scale fluctuations, the broader structural factors — such as the town's compact size and coastal geography — continue to mitigate higher crime rates. The comparison also reveals that Formby's violent crime rate (1.5 per 1,000) is 40% below the UK average, a consistent pattern that has held for multiple years. This contrast with the 43% increase in public order offences compared to the UK average (0.4 per 1,000) illustrates the area's unique balance between different crime types, influenced by its specific social and environmental characteristics.